IAFT Advantage

FAQ

Q:

Why do you have an On-Set English Only policy?

A:

IAFT is an international school comprised of students from many different backgrounds. As filmmaking is a collaborative art, clear communication is imperative for success. IAFT classes and workshops are taught exclusively in English, all over the world. This policy is extended to student projects.

With clear communication being a key to on-set safety, it’s important that everyone understand each other at all times. Using a common language ensures that everyone on set receives the same vital information.

IAFT also cherishes collaboration between all its students. Using a common language allows every student the same opportunity to collaborate with every other student, regardless of nationality.

We want our classes, projects and feedback to be comprehensive to everybody. Our goal is to create the most inclusive, collaborative environment possible.

Q:

Does IAFT offer distance-learning courses (i.e. online courses)?

A:

No. The nature of filmmaking or performing arts is hands on instruction that requires experience in the field and on set.

Q:

Are there any limitations on what content can be in our student projects?

A:

We at IAFT strongly believe in creativity and experimentation. We encourage students to stay within international standards, but we try our best not to get in the way of free expression and illuminated storytelling in the work of our students. We also give support to the judgment of our mentors in the classroom, although we naturally retain the right to withhold our support from any project as deemed necessary by IAFT.

Q:

Do students work with individual mentors on projects, or do students work with several mentors?

A:

At IAFT, we believe in learning from those who have been there before – experienced industry veterans who have acted or worked in filmmaking all across the globe. IAFT believes in giving you as much access to this wealth of talent and experience as possible. Our mentors will teach you the tips, tools, and techniques you need to be a success in your future career.

Q:

I want to know more about your cinematography and directing courses.

A:

While these subjects are covered extensively in our signature filmmaking curriculum, we do not offer a stand-alone program in cinematography or directing. The reason for this is due to the fact that we believe to be the best Director or Cinematographer, you must first have the intrinsic prospective of all the other elements that make up the filmmaking process. That is why we created our flagship one-year immersion program in filmmaking.

Q:

Is IAFT accredited?

A:

Our IAFT campuses have been approved by several regulatory bodies, depending on their specific locations. IAFT Los Angeles, for example, is approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPS) in California. IAFT Cebu, Philippines is accredited under the Republic of The Philippines’ Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) and the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC). IAFT Hong Kong is officially registered under section 279 of the Education Ordinance (School Registration Number: 589780) and we are currently in the process of getting our programs accredited with the Non-Local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance (Cap.493).

Q:

Will we use film cameras or digital video cameras in your program?

A:

Like the rest of the industry, IAFT has moved to an all digital workflow. While equipment varies from campus to campus, IAFT uses HD digital cameras.

Q:

How competitive is your tuition?

A:

At present, we proudly offer rates that are affordable, yet competitive with most of the best film schools around the world.

Q:

What is the ratio of theoretical classes to hands-on experience?

A:

IAFT’s main goal is to prepare students for a professional career in filmmaking or acting; therefore, we primarily focus on skills that will be used exclusively in the rigors of the craft and art of today’s and tomorrow’s filmmakers and actors. Theory and classroom setting are necessary for introduction to this form of art. However, for film, the core of the program consists of students picking up a camera, positioning lights, using sound gear correctly and being stationed at an editing suite to produce student projects as soon as is possible and appropriate.

Q:

Does IAFT offer any campus housing?

A:

No, IAFT does not offer campus housing at this time. However, the admissions office can consult with students and assist in looking for suitable residential housing off-campus.

Q:

Do you accept International Students?

A:

Below are links to the IAFT campuses that currently accept international students:

This list will very likely change in the near future. Check back with us. However, at IAFT-LA, we are now offering only short-term, intensive workshops, ranging in length from 5 Days to 4 Weeks. International students can participate in a workshop as a recreational program on a tourist visa.

Q:

Besides tuition, will I have any additional expenses while attending?

A:

At a minimum, you will need a 1 TB USB external hard drive for our editing suite, as well as a SD card (Two 32GB SD cards for HONG KONG/ One 32GB SD card for VEGAS), so you can back up your own projects. You won’t have to buy any textbooks, that’s for certain. You will be responsible for paying for the budget of each of your term films, including locations, insurance, talent, crew, food or any other costs necessary to complete the project.
+++la+++
You may need a 1 TB USB external hard drive for our editing suite, as well as a 32GB SD card, so you can back up your projects. You won’t have to buy any textbooks, that’s for certain. If you make a short video in your workshop, you’ll be responsible for the budget if you need more than camera and editing equipment. Gear is provided.

Q:

I see something about lab hours here in your Catalog. What’s that all about?

A:

IAFT’s filmmaking and acting programs consist of 900 hours in Diploma and 450 in Certificate. Those hours are divided between classroom hours and lab hours. Lab work is when you practice what you’ve learned from classroom instruction, and it’s supervised by a lab mentor. This is the way a principle or theory or skill is developed and then reinforced. And that’s how you really end up owning what you’ve learned.

Q:

Will IAFT assist me with job placement after I complete the program?

A:

No school can guarantee that you will be able to obtain work after completing our program. But with its working industry Mentors, IAFT offers you exposure to real-world industry veterans. Our programs are designed to prepare you for the job market and we will help you with research and referrals for potential job openings.

Q:

Will I receive a certificate or diploma when I complete the program?

A:

Yes – graduates of the Filmmaking and Acting programs will receive a Certificate or Diploma, depending on the program.

Q:

Will we use film cameras or digital video cameras in your program?

A:

Like the rest of the industry, IAFT has moved to an all digital workflow. While equipment varies from campus to campus, IAFT uses HD digital cameras.

Q:

Can my parents come to the school and observe my class?

A:

Of course, parents may visit classes. But it is mandatory that parents provide prior notice and seek approval from the Director of Education before they can observe a class. Approval is at the sole discretion of the Director of Education and is determined on a case by case basis.

Q:

How old do I have to be to attend your school?

A:

IAFT enrolls students who are a minimum of 18 years old, who have an earned high school diploma or GED. Admission procedures include meeting with the Admissions Counselor to review career goals, programs offered, school policies and procedures (school catalog), graduation requirements, and English language proficiency. Each prospective student must provide documentation of having a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED). All foreign diplomas or transcripts must be evaluated and translated to demonstrate local equivalency, at the cost of the prospective student.
+++la+++
For the L.A. Workshops, you need to be at least 16 years old.

Q:

Will I be able to find work in the industry when I finish?

A:

The Academy will assist graduates in locating field-related, entry-level employment and freelance employment opportunities, as freelance/self-employment is a common employment objective in the Filmmaking, Acting, and 3D Digital Animation fields. The Placement Advisor notifies graduates of potential job openings and assists them to the best of his/her ability in securing entry-level employment. The school maintains a current list of industry job openings and makes this information available to graduates.

While the Academy does provide job placement assistance, it cannot guarantee employment for students following graduation.

Q:

Can I transfer my credits from another school to IAFT?

A:

When requested, IAFT provides assistance to students seeking to transfer earned credits from other institutions including providing guidance and/or looking over official transcripts, syllabi, or course outlines. IAFT does not accept credit earned through challenge examinations, achievement tests, or experiential learning.

Q:

Can I just take individual courses or do I have to take the entire program?

A:

Our curriculum is designed to offer our students a well rounded base of industry knowledge. Therefore, we only offer our curriculum as as a full 450 hour Certificate Programs or 900 hour Diploma Programs (1,212 hour Diploma Program at IAFT Cebu). However, at IAFT Los Angeles, we are now offering only intensive, hands-on workshops, and there are several of them, varying in length from 5 Days to 4 Weeks.